Thanks to Gilly's post (and the search function) I have finally reset the FSS counter on my '98 C230. I had used the procedure in my manual (exactly as stated in post 2 of this thread) several times (with the door closed) and it didn't work. The secret is to push and hold the "0" button while still in position 2 BEFORE turning back to position 0 and then keep holding while turning back to 2 again. Aparrently there is an error in the manual in this regard. I did not need to actually start the car. So the correct procedure (for these cars anyway) looks like:

Get in car and close door
Turn key to position 2 (about 4 O'clock)
Press and release "0" button twice, then press a third time and hold
While still holding, turn key back to 0
While STILL HOLDING, turn key back to 2 again, KEEP HOLDING !!
After around 10 seconds you will hear BEEP and display will show 10,000 (or possibly 15,000 or 20,000 for Canadian or other models).

Mike

__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra